Ukraine’s Largest Art Museum Removes Works From Hiding To Show Nation Is ‘Alive’

Photo 44093671 © Ukrainian photographer Gelia | Dreamstime.com

In a move that draws parallels to the historic moment when Ukrainian border guards told Russian invaders to “go f**k yourself,” Ukraine’s largest and most prominent art museum is defying bullies by putting its prized collection back.

In the wake of the conflict, the Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery has in the past months stowed its artworks away to prevent them from being looted or destroyed by Russian troops. Overseeing a massive collection of 67,000 works—including art by Francisco Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, and Wojciech Gerson—that span 18 museums, the institution felt it safer to hide many of the pieces in undisclosed locations.

That was an act of self-defense. Now, it intends to demonstrate locals’ resistance and strength.

The gallery’s director Taras Voznyak tells the New York Times that Ukrainians will no longer cower into an image of “nothing,” the way President Vladimir Putin wants them to appear.

Putting the museum’s art back and opening up to the public proves to the opponent that “we are alive,” Voznyak adds.

Some of the museum’s 18 branches are now open, and the institution hopes to reopen its main building, formerly Lozinsky Palace, next month following maintenance works and repairs.

A series of online art shows are currently being planned. Moving forward, though, the museum’s director foresees underground galleries being installed to Ukraine’s art and culture scene in times of war.

“Life does not stop,” declares Voznyak.

[via Artnet News and The New York Times, cover photo 44093671 © Ukrainian photographer Gelia | Dreamstime.com]